TACP Support

Abstract

The Joint Terminal Control Training and Rehearsal (JTC TRS) Program, under the Tactical Airborne Control System, funds development necessary to provide a Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) capable, high-fidelity simulator for Battlefield Airmen, to include Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) operations, Special Tactics Combat Control Team (CCT), and Air Support Operations Center (ASOC) operations. JTC TRS is essential to provide initial training, mission qualification training, continuation training, and currency control requirements to JTACs and Special Tactics personnel. JTAC control training requirements exceed the ability of live-fly aircraft to meet, and JTC TRS is the only capability enabling JTACs to achieve and maintain minimum required training for both qualification and proficiency in accordance with the U.S and Partner Nation Memorandum of Agreement for JTAC certification and qualification. The JTC TRS Program provides research and development to facilitate interoperability with joint and sister Service air-ground simulation using industry standards. JTC TRS will provide the capability to network aircrew full mission trainers and training centers in a live-virtual-constructive network. This development effort will also integrate ASOCs with the Joint Theater Air Ground Simulation System (JTAGSS) trainer for Joint Fires integration. The simulator will supplement live field training and live-fly sorties to provide realistic introductory, proficiency, currency, and upgrade training in a simulated battlefield, disaster, or humanitarian relief environment. FY 22 funds are required to complete development of the DACAS engineering solution which will enable trainees to fully exercise digital missions required to employ 4th and 5th generation capabilities and be and contribute to effective Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). Cuts in program 3600 in FY-20 and FY-21 due to contractual problems which prevented execution of funds, make FY 22 3600 critically important to field late to need DACAS capability. b. JTAGSS is a continuation of the ASOC simulation trainer initially funded in 2009 and complements the JTC TRS trainer by providing a total air-ground constructive simulation environment for integrated networked training and mission rehearsal capability that will develop JTAC/CCT and ASOC/Special Operations Forces (SOF) Command and Control (C2) battle staff skills. JTAGSS will provide the ASOC, SOF, and TACP (Tactical Air Control Party) with the vertical and horizontal C2 communications and coordination training and mission rehearsal required for mission effectiveness. There are insufficient exercises and live training events available to meet mandated readiness requirements. The system will include a secure network connection, a constructive simulation environment generator with sharable databases, computer work stations that have synthetic reflex agent applications for each ASOC/SOF crew position to execute the air tasking order. Funds may be used to address emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing and Material Shortage (DMSMS) issues. DMS efforts to include removal of end-of-life software/hardware within simulators systems and move to a modular, common open system architecture that is sustainable and cyber-resilient. Implement requirements and standards defined under the Simulator Common Architecture Requirements and Standards (SCARS) initiative. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver the JTC TRS weapon system capability. OSD recommends re-phase .371 of FY 22 funds due to under-execution of previous year's funds. Sub-optimal obligation and execution of funds was a direct result of the prime contractor's legal suspension for fraud. FY 22 3600 critically important to continue development and refinement of JTAGSS as it transitions from AFRL to AFLCMC/WNS for long term sustainment and modification to meet TACP/ASOC requirements. This program element may include necessary emergent or unanticipated civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver JTC TRS weapon system capability until permanent manpower authorizations are funded. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605826F. FY 22 3600 funds will be required to begin modifying JTAGSS to accommodate a full Joint Air Ground Integration Cell (JAGIC), increasing trainee workstations from 13 to 21. Adding additional workstations and integrating joint and other service C4 systems will enable the full JADC2 capability and facilitate a persistent "train as you fight” for the AF and joint and coalition air to ground command staff members and battle managers. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2022
• Source ID: 675234_0207418F_7_3600_PB_2022

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Geochemistry
• Military Training and Readiness Simulation

Technology Areas

• Cyber
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control